HAS CHRISTMAS ENDED?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Is Christmas over? The answer may not be what you think. It is true that Christmas is over. It is also true that Christmas continues. It is equally true that Christmas is calling. Calling you! How can this be? Aren’t these statements contradictory one to another or are they mutually exclusive? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

 

I. CHRISTMAS HAS ENDED!

At least, Christmas day, 12-25-2023 is over- and we should be thankful. Thankful? Thankful for what? Well…

1. Be Thankful for What You Got [Lk. 2:38, 2 Cor. 1:11, 9:15]

- And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

- Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

- Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

2. Be Thankful for What You Didn’t Get [Rm. 14:6, 6:23; Rev. 20:14]

- He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

- And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

3. Be Thankful for What You Gave [Col. 1:3, 2:7, 3:17; 4:2]

- We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

- Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

- And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him

- Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

 II. CHRISTMAS CONTINUES!

For the Christian- like the shepherds and the wise men- Christmas never ends if we…

 

1. Continue to Seek Christ Daily [Mt. 2:1-2, 9-12, 1 Cor. 15:31]

- NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

-When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

- I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

2. Continue to Worship Christ Openly [Mt. 2:2, 11; Heb. 13:15; Rev. 11:16-17]

- we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

- when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:

- By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

-And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned

3. Continue to Obey Christ Implicitly [Mt. 2:13; Jn. 14:15, 21, 15:10]

- And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

- If ye love me, keep my commandments.

-He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me

- If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

III. CHRISTMAS CALLS! Christmas calls for everyone to be involved!

 

1. Get Involved in the Receiving! [Jn. 1:12]

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

 

2. Get Involved in the Giving [Mt. 2:11, Lk. 6:38, Acts 20:35]

- And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

- Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

- remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

 

3. Get Involved in the Proclaiming [Lk. 2:17-18, 20, Ps. 126:5-6, Mt. 28:19-20]

The Shepherds - And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds… And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Anna the prophetess - And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 So the shepherds are here in this field watching over their flocks at night when the angel of the Lord comes and tells them, "Unto you is born this day. . .a Saviour." What wonderful news! Would you be afraid if an angel came and spoke to you? We have the Bible now, and there is not as much need now for direct revelation from God as there was when there was no written Bible and people had no contact and did not know the will of God about things. But the angel did come again and again. An angel is a messenger of God. Because we do not see them does not mean there are less angels about us now than before. - John R. Rice [The Best News One Ever heard: A Saviour is Born!, pg. 24-25]

May the joyful message of the angels given at the first Christmas ring in your heart, "...a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord". Shepherds, wise men, the holy family - you may be as happy as any of them, and I pray that you may be, at this glad season. - John R. Rice [The Birth of the Saviour, page 3]

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." -Luke 2:10, 11

A Saviour! Not just salvation, but the Saviour Himself! Jesus is a Saviour, and Christmastime is having Jesus, and you can have Jesus all the year. And all the blessings He gives are so much better than any incidental blessings that accompany Christmas. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 19]

Yes, Jesus is alive! And I will see my mother and father again. Oh, yes, and Joe, my preacher brother, and Gertrude and George and Jesse and sister Jimmie, and Dr. Bob Jones, and Bill Sunday, and Paul and Elijah and all the blessed dead who died in the Lord. As Jesus lives, so will we live! Blessed Pillar of Faith! Jesus rose from the dead! - John R. Rice [page 23, Five Pillars of the Temple]

I have learned not to be afraid to teach and preach anything that is in the Bible. The Bible works. It still has all the power it ever had. "Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" (Jer. 23:29). It is still true that "the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). - John R. Rice

It is no wonder that heathen races intuitively know that there is a God to whom they must give an account. When heathen tribes worship the sun, moon, and stars, when they worship bulls as the Egyptians did, or serpents or birds, as others have, that is a perversion, of course. We are well familiar with people who go through the forms of worship in our churches without a heart understanding. We know some people have the "form of godliness without the power thereof." And so it is when heathen people worship things in nature. But thus do they acknowledge there is a witness to a living God who made all things and who controls all things and to whom we must give an account. - John R. Rice [page 53, Five Pillars of the Temple]

I am told that not long ago a man on the streetcar rose and offered his seat to a woman, and she was so surprised she fainted! When she recovered consciousness she said, "Thank you!" and then he fainted! I say, the honor, the deference, the courtesy, the protectiveness that practically all men, good and bad, once offered to good women, has almost disappeared. - John R. Rice

All 

RESPONDING TO VANITY

PSALM 2

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE VAIN THING [v. 1-3]

1. The Question of Vanity [v. 1]

2. The Rage of Vanity [v. 2]

3. The Lie of Vanity [v. 3]

 

II. THE RESPONSE OF GOD THE FATHER [v. 4-6]

1. Derision [v. 4]

2. Displeasure [v. 5]

3. Determination [v. 6]

 

III. THE RESPONSE OF GOD THE SON [v. 7-9]

1. Faith in the Declaration of His Person [v. 7]

2. Faith in the Declaration of His Possession [v. 8]

3. Faith in the Declaration of His Power [v. 9]

 

IV. THE RESPONSE OF GOD THE SPIRIT [v. 10-12]

1. He Instructs Mankind to be Wise [v. 10]

2. He Instructs Mankind to be Submissive [v. 11]

3. He Instructs Mankind to be Saved [v. 10]

OLD TIME CHRISTMAS

LUKE 1:26ff

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Many of us get nostalgic at Christmas. We yearn for something from Christmases past. Many years ago Clydie gave me some lights that bubble because I mentioned our family having some of them when I was a child. I love the smell of a real Christmas tree. Some have holiday traditions that they observe. Dad liked a fire in the fireplace on Christmas day- even if it was 75 degrees outside. All this is well and good but what about the first Christmas? How can we recapture some of the original Christmas spirit in our present day lives? Well, we can have that old time Christmas spirit very simply.

 

 I. WE CAN HAVE THAT OLD TIME CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BY BELIEVING LIKE MARY

 

1. Have Faith in God’s Word [Lk. 1:26-38]

2. Have Faith in God’s Saviour [Lk. 1:46-47]

3. Have Faith in God’s Work [Lk. 1:48-56]

 

II. WE CAN HAVE THAT OLD TIME CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BY OBEYING LIKE JOSEPH

 

1. Obey Compassionately [Mt. 1:18-19]

2. Obey Completely [Mt. 1:20-25]

3. Obey Immediately [Mt. 2:13-15, 19-23]

 

III. WE CAN HAVE THAT OLD TIME CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BY RESPONDING LIKE THE SHEPHERDS

 

1. Respond with Acceptance [Lk. 2:8-15]

2. Respond with Action [Lk. 2:15-19]

3. Respond with Adoration [Lk. 2:20]

 

None of these things are difficult. We can have a Christmas Present like THE Christmas past. Believe like Mary, Obey like Joseph, and Respond like the Shepherds.

THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

GALATIANS 4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

That night when in the Judean skies

The mystic star dispensed its light,

A blind man moved in his sleep-

And dreamed that he had sight!

 

That night when shepherds heard the song

Of hosts angelic choiring near,

A deaf man stirred in slumber’s spell-

And dreamed that he could hear!

 

That night when in the cattle stall

Slept child and mother cheek by jowl,

A cripple turned his twisted limbs-

And dreamed that he was whole!

 

That night when o’er the newborn babe

The tender Mary rose to lean,

A loathsome leper smiled in sleep-

And dreamed that he was clean!

 

That night when to the mother’s breast

The little King was held secure,

A harlot slept a happy sleep-

And dreamed that she was pure!

 

That night when in the manger lay

The sanctified who came to save,

A man moved in the sleep of death-

And dreamed there was no grave!

-unknown

 

I. CHRISTMAS MEANS GOD GAVE

1. God Saw the Need [4:3]

2. God Sent the Saviour [4:4]

3. God Satisfied the Demands [4:4-5]

 

II. CHRISTMAS MEANS CHRIST CAME

1. Christ Came to Justify to render (i.e. show or regard as just)

[2:16-17, 3:8, 11, 24, 5:4]

2. Christ Came to Redeem (to buy up, i.e. ransom) [3:13, 4:5]

3. Christ Came to Adopt (the placing as a son, i.e. adoption) [4:5]

 

III. CHRISTMAS MEANS PRESENTS

1. The Present of the Indwelling Spirit [3:1-5, 13-14]

2. The Present of the Blessings of Abraham [3:6-14]

3. The Present of the Adoptions of Sons [4:5-7, John 1:12]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 Many people suppose that Jesus did set up His kingdom when He was here on earth, that is, the prophesied restoration of the kingdom of David. They ignore some Scriptures and explain away others in trying to prove their point. Such people say that the promises in the Old Testament given to Jerusalem, Zion and Israel, must not be taken literally. They make all these promises refer to "the church." But that is a very great mistake. Mount Zion is the hill upon which Jerusalem is built. Zion, Jerusalem, and Israel never mean the church. The promised kingdom is not the church. Do not explain away the Bible, take it at face value. God's word says what it means and means what it says! And it plainly says that Christ will have a kingdom on this earth. That kingdom has not yet been set up. - John R. Rice

Jesus said plainly that God's love gift to the world was in order "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." Jesus did not come as a teacher, a philosopher, but to save people from their sins. When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night and said, "Rabbi, we know thou art a teacher come from God," Jesus abruptly answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:2, 3). What Nicodemus needed was not a teacher but a Saviour. He did not need a pattern; he needed a Redeemer. John R. Rice [Immanuel--God With Us, pg. 26]

I talked to a poor, troubled woman who sat with tears in a service in Dallas, Texas. I said, "Come on and trust in Jesus."

She said, "I can't."

I said, "Yes, you can. He loves you."

She said, "I can't. Don't torment me."

I said, "Yes, you can. Why not?"

She said, "I can't forget what I have done."

I turned to Hebrews, chapter 10, and read where He said, "I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them." Read where He said, "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.' Then read where Jesus said, "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

Then I said to her, "Do you see what Jesus is talking about? Not judgment but salvation. Not whether you are good or not, but salvation for everybody who wants it."

That troubled woman stopped her sobbing and said, "If He can forget it, I will too." And she came to trust the Saviour.

I am glad there is good news for everybody. The Scripture said, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Ah, good news! And everybody can have Him if they will. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 17]

You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father's face and tell him you have received his Christmas gift. -- John R. Rice [internet search]

There are those, I say it sadly, whom God has cursed. There are those who are already condemned. You ask, "Do you mean they cannot be saved?" No, no; I do not mean that. Oh, He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," says II Peter 3:9. God does not want anybody to be lost. God has paid too much for your soul to let you go. You are accursed because you will not let God save you, because you will not let God forgive you; you will not let God put a new heart in you. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 219]

Make no mistake, the reason Jesus Christ came to this world was to save sinners. So the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:15. So Jesus said, "I come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32; Matt. 9:13; Mark 2:17). - John R. Rice [Luke, pg. 40]

Oh, there are temptations that come at Christmas. Some people will be tempted to drink who never do through the year. Some people will be tempted to lewd revelry.

Make sure it is a holy time of setting yourself apart for God. Enjoy His blessings. Enjoy your loved ones. Enjoy the greetings and the carols. But be sure you enjoy Jesus Himself.

Is there someone who hears me who is not happy? Why don't you say, "I am going to be happy at Christmas because I will let Jesus come into my heart; I will let Him forgive my sins"? He will if you trust Him now. And if you take Him as Saviour and trust Him, He will save you. - John R. Rice [The Saviour Promised Has Come, pg. 18-19]

WHAT IF JESUS HAD NOT COME?

LUKE 2:1O-11

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Many of you have seen the classic movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, with Jimmy Stewart. The film tells the story of George Bailey, a man who gets to see what would have happened differently in the world if he had never been born. As it turns out, his life had been an influence for good in many people’s lives and in ways that he had never considered. Now let us take that premise and apply it to the Lord Jesus Christ. What if Jesus had never been born?

 

I. NO CHRISTMAS OR OTHER CHRISTIAN-RELATED HOLIDAYS – No Jesus means no Christmas. No carols, cards, pageants, parades, trees, lights, manger scenes. No Valentine’s Day [because no St. Valentine], no St. Patrick’s Day, no Easter, No Independence Day, no Thanksgiving.

 

II. NO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – At least not as we know it. The USA was found primarily by Christians wanted to worship the God of the Bible according to the dictates of their own consciences. Do not believe the revisionists who try to deny or minimize the part Christians played in the founding of this great nation. Pilgrims, Puritans, and others came here to escape religious persecution and establish a nation on godly principles. One of the great mottoes of the Revolutionary was “No King but Jesus”.  By extension, think of the great causes the U.S. has been involved in promoting. What about the things America has fought? What would have happened if the U.S. had not been around to fight fascism, Nazism, Communism to name just a few? No Jesus would promote dark days indeed.

 

III. NO GREAT CHRISTIAN PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATIONS – Were you aware that the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the YMCA, and the YWCA all started as solid Christian organizations. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of thousands of hospitals, orphanages, churches, schools, and universities [including Harvard and Yale] would never have come into being if it were not for the birth of Jesus approximately 2000 years ago?

 

IV. NO GREAT REFORM MOVEMENTS – The Reformation opposed unscriptural practices and teachings. Without Jesus there would have been no Reformation, no Great Awakening. England had revivals with Wesley and Whitfield while France had a bloody revolution. Without Jesus Wilberforce would not have led the fight against slavery in England. William Carey would never have gone to India and been instrumental in ending the practice of burning wives and children with the body of the head of the family when he died. Again- just the tip of the iceberg.

 

V. NO BIBLE – The Old Testament would have been proven false with the promises of the coming redeemer broken. The New Testament would never have been written. The misery the world would experience without God’s Word is immeasurable. When you consider that most of this world’s misery is due to people ignoring or denying the Bible what if it wasn’t here at all? We would never know the real character of God- His holiness, justice, righteousness, love. In fact- we would not know God. Jesus demonstrates love, compassion and mercy. What about Truth? Many great inventors and scientists were inspired by the Word of God- Galileo, Newton, Carver, the Wright Brothers… 2 words… iceberg- tip.

 

VI. NO SALVATION – The world would still be waiting in vain for a Saviour. Everyone would be without hope and without God in the world.

 

BUT JESUS WAS BORN! HE DID COME! HE DID DIE AND WAS RESURRECTED! LUKE 2:10-14, 1 Timothy 3:16

 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

WHY JESUS STAYED ON THE CROSS

MT. 27:39-44

Pastor Rick Jackson

It was not the nails that held Jesus to the cross- with all His power He could have come down. It was not human weakness- Jesus said, “I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” It was not because He could not get help any time he desired it. Remember he told Peter, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” What then is the answer to our question?

 

I. HIS LOVE FOR US HELD HIM TO THE CROSS

 

1. His Love Is Unusual [Mt. 5:43-46, Rm. 5:6-8]

-Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

-For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

2. His Love Is Unfailing [Rm. 8:35-39, Jn. 13:1]

-Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

-NOW before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

 

3. His Love Is Unselfish [John 15:13] what did man give Him?

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

II. HIS SUBMISSION TO GOD’S WILL HELD HIM TO THE CROSS [Heb. 10:5-9]

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

 

1. It Was Foredetermined [Acts 2:22-23, Revelation 13:8]

- Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

-…the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

 

2. It Was Foreknown [Acts 2:23]

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

 

3. It Was Foretold [Acts 2:24-36]

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

 

III. OUR SINS HELD HIM TO THE CROSS

 

1. He Bore Our Sins to Satisfy the Law of God [Rm. 6:23, Is. 53, 1 Jn. 2:2]

-For the wages of sin is death;

-And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

2. He Bore Our Sins to Take Them Away From Us [1 Jn. 3:5, Jn. 1:29]

-And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

-The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

 

3. He Bore Our Sins to Bring Us to God [1 Peter 3:18]

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MISTAKES (errors)

Matthew 22:29

Pastor Rick Jackson

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

 

When you read the Christmas story in the Bible it is not just the story of one day. It is the story of millennia, the story before time that has not ended and will never end though time itself will. If you say you mean the events as they happened, though prophesied for many centuries before, even then, it is a story of years; it was 1 year and 3 months before the first Christmas day that Zechariah was apprised of the events that were to change his life and the world! It was some 2 years after the first Christmas that the wise men finally made it to Bethlehem where they found the toddler King of the Jews in a house with His mother and step-father. What we celebrate in a season took over 3 years to live out! In those years there are several notable mistakes made by the people of that time- mistakes that continue to be made by some even in our time! Be careful you don’t make one or more of the Classic Christmas mistakes!

 

I. THERE ARE TEMPORARY MISTAKES [Isaiah 29:24]

They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

 

1. Zechariah Didn’t Believe God’s Messenger at First [Lk. 1:5-20, 57-64]

 

2. Joseph didn’t Believe Mary’s Explanation at First [Mt. 1:18-25]

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

 

3. The Wise Men Assumed Jerusalem would be the Birthplace of the King of the Jews [Mt. 2:1-2]

NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

 

II. THERE ARE TRAGIC MISTAKES [Hebrews 3:7-12]

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

 

1. The Chief Priests & Scribes were Apathetic [Mt. 2:4-6]

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

 

2. King Herod was Ignorant and Antagonistic [Mt. 2:4-6, 13, 16-18]

-And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

-Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

 

3. Some Persons are Arrogant in their Ignorance [Romans 1:18-22]

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

 

III. THERE ARE TRADITIONAL MISTAKES – People that are more interested in:

 

1. Presents than His Presence & Profits more than the Prophets [Mt. 1:22-25, Lk. 16:13]

-Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

-No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 

2. Holidays than Holy Days & Santa more than the Saviour [Mt. 6:33, Phil. 2:9-11]

-But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

-Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

3. Christmas Trees rather than Calvary’s Tree & Spirits rather than the Spirit of God [Gal. 3:13-14, Eph. 5:18]

-Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

-And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

You must see that every word in the Bible points to Jesus. You must love Him and trust Him. Do you want to be righteous? Then Jesus keeps the law for you, and He will help you to be righteous. He will put His righteousness within your heart. Trust Him, the perfect One, to meet God's requirements and fulfill the law, for Christ is the answer to the Mosaic law, and "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." When Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished!" He meant that now you need not circumcise any more boys; that points to circumcision of heart, the new birth. Now you need not offer any more animal sacrifices; the one Sacrifice has now been offered. Now you need not a priesthood anymore, for Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is forever interceding for those who trust Him. - John R. Rice

You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father's face and tell Him you have received his Christmas gift.

~ Dr. John R. Rice

The simple truth is that the Old Testament very clearly foretold ahead of time the coming of the Saviour, and all the Jews knew about the Messiah, which was promised, the Son of Abraham, the Son of David, the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, the Prophet Moses talked about, the Lamb of God pictured in all the animal sacrifices, the High Priest pictured in the Jewish priesthood, the Light of the world pictured in the golden candlestick in the Tabernacle and temple, the Bread of life pictured by the manna, by the shewbread and by offerings. And when the New Testament speaks of "the Christ," it refers clearly and unmistakably to the Christ or Messiah (Greek and Hebrew terms respectively) pictured in the Old Testament. - John R. Rice [A Coffer of Jewels About the Bible, pg. 37]

I was born the first time December 11, 1895. My mother and father told me so. I was born the second time when I was a lad about nine years old. It was one Sunday in the First Baptist Church at Gainesville, Texas, when I trusted Jesus Christ to forgive my sins and save me. My Heavenly Father tells me so in His Word; He tells me that when I believed in Christ, I then received everlasting life. I have more reason to believe my Heavenly Father than to believe my earthly father; so I know I am born again, am saved. - John R. Rice

You shouldn't tell lies. You say, "What about Santa Claus?" It is certainly wrong to lie about Santa Claus and tell that myth as the truth. Such lying and deception is always a sin, and Christians should not be guilty of it. However, I do not believe that Santa Claus would necessarily be wrong used simply as a symbol of Christmas cheer and giving and happiness, provided one did not mislead children nor help others mislead them. It is possible for Christian people to use Santa Claus as simply a kind of Christmas symbol like we use Christmas trees and holly and greeting cards and turkey dinners. In our own home we spoke about Santa Claus in a symbolic way. All my children from babyhood were taught the simple truth that Santa Claus was simply a mythical character who does not exist. Rather, he represents an idea of Christmas cheer and giving. - John R. Rice [Christmas Now and All the Year, pg. 9]

You who reject Christ will be shut up in Hell forever with the Devil and his angels. It will be their home. Do not ever think that Satan is going to run Hell; he himself will be a prisoner of Hell. And you and he are two of the same kind, the prisoners of Almighty God and the subjects of God's wrath, when you turn down Jesus Christ. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 216]

My birthday comes two weeks before Christmas. I remember at four years of age the little Christmas Sunday School lesson in the little country church in Cooke County, Texas. I remember a one-eyed deacon, Brother Finley, taught the card class. He had a little card with a picture and the golden text was, "There was no room for them in the inn." The picture was of a manger and a donkey was standing by and a man was coming down out of a hayloft with a pitchfork of hay and there was Mary upon a bed of hay in the picture. We memorized that golden text. And as they told me about Jesus, I though, "There was no room for Him. Now, that is bad. Why, this world must be awfully wicked." I thought, "My sister and I have a little trundle bed." (It was rolled out at night from under Dad and Mama's bed and the little sides were lifted up and there we slept in that bed. And in the daytime, because we had a small house for a big family, it was folded up and rolled back under the big bed.) "But Jesus had no room." - John R. Rice [The Best News One Ever heard: A Saviour is Born!, pg. 20]

Again you say, "When the Spirit comes into the believer, in fullness, he speaks in a known (Spanish, etc.) language (known to the world but not the believer) and an unknown language, known only to God." Again you are speaking of the theory of man, without any basis of Scripture. And you ought to know enough about me to know that I would never take poor human opinion as contrasted with the Word of God. - John R. Rice [page 518, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions...]

FIVE REASONS TO BE OF GOOD CHEER!

MATTHEW 9:1-8 [especially v. 2]

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The modern-day equivalent of “BE OF GOOD CHEER!” would be “Cheer up!”

“But Brother Rick, you don’t know my circumstances.” Don’t need to. BE OF GOOD CHEER!

“I got problems.” Join the crowd and BE OF GOOD CHEER!

“I’m sick.” BE OF GOOD CHEER! “I’m in debt.” BE OF GOOD CHEER!

“You’re not listening to me.” Sure I am, you’re not listening to me, BE OF GOOD CHEER!

“Why should I be of good cheer?” Now that’s a good question. Let’s see God’s answer. because:

 

1. BE OF GOOD CHEER BECAUSE YOU ARE SAVED, OR CAN BE, RIGHT NOW [Mt. 9:1-2]

 

2. BE OF GOOD CHEER BECAUSE JESUS WILL BE WITH YOU IN THE STORM [Mk. 6:46-52]

 

3. BE OF GOOD CHEER BECAUSE JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD [Jn. 16:30-33]

 

4. BE OF GOOD CHEER BECAUSE OUR FUTURE IS IN HIS HANDS [Acts 23:10-11]

 

5. BE OF GOOD CHEER BECAUSE HIS WORD IS TRUE [Acts 27:14-36]

 

 So- BE OF GOOD CHEER!

HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

If you consider all the elements of the Christian Christmas story it is quite remarkable. Ancient prophecies, the virgin birth, angelic appearances, miraculous warnings, a guiding star, and even more miraculous announcements. Wow! How can you believe all that really happened? Well- I do believe it. I do believe in Christmas. Why? Why do I believe in Christmas?

I BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS BECAUSE -

 

I. I BELIEVE IN GOD [Mk. 11:22, Mt. 19:26, Heb. 11:6]

- And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

- But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

II. I BELIEVE IN JESUS [Jn. 14:1, Acts 8:37, Mark 9:23-24, 10:9-11]

- LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

- And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

- Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 

III. I BELIEVE IN THE BIBLE [Is. 40:8, Luke 11:28, 1 Th. 2:13, Romans 10:17]

- The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

- But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

- For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

IV. I BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL [Mark 1:15, Rm. 1:16, 1 Cor. 15:1-6]

 

- And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

-For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

-Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand…

 

V. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT [Gen. 1:1-2, Eph. 4:4-6, 2 Cor. 13:14]

 

- IN the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

- There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

- The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

 

Given those, just as an opener, why would I have any problem believing in Christmas?

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

We should note here that men need the fellowship of good women. In the Garden of Eden, God had said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

If men are to be strong, they need the tenderness of good women. It is foolish to talk to much about equality between men and women. Men and women are different. A man ought to be a good man and a woman ought to be a good woman. Each has his place, and each needs the other. - John R. Rice [Genesis, pg. 388]

These shepherds [Luke 2:15-20] were ignorant, but they believed the words of the angel, the message sent from Heaven! And in my heart this Christmas season I praise the Lord for millions of common people who still believe all the story of the Babe who was born in Bethlehem, believe that the angels really appeared, that the Glory of God shone round about, that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary as the Scripture says. Other people may have believed after they went to see, but the shepherds believed before they went! ... Sin is back of all the unbelief about the Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible and God's revelation about salvation. One reason the angels brought the message to those shepherds is that they knew the shepherds would believe it. - John R. Rice [The Birth of the Saviour, pg. 37]

Every lost man has a wicked heart and that heart won't be changed tomorrow without Jesus. There is something in him that is still tough and mean. There is something in there which still doesn't want to give up its own way; and so a convenient time never comes.

If you don't say, "By God's grace I am going to repent and turn to Christ NOW because I ought to, because it is right, because it is the only safe way, the right way, it is the only way to be sure," you are not going to get saved. - John R. Rice [Sweet Family Ties in Heaven and Hell, pg. 189]

Are there those who say that the virgin birth is inconsequential, that to believe it or not doesn't matter? They are fools. Yea, more than that, they are wicked unbelievers. Those who speak lightly of the virgin birth do not accept the awful fallen state of a race of sinners that must be redeemed. They do not fathom the atonement on the cross, nor the marvelous salvation by God's grace for condemned sinners. Oh, if God has become man, if an entire race is to be brought back from Hell's ruin and offered salvation, and if an endless eternity is to rejoice in the marvel of God's salvation for sinners, then do not expect all this to occur in some ordinary, routine manner. Only a miracle of God could make God a man. - John R. Rice ["No Man Cared for my Soul", pg. 130]

Well, for my part I will take my stand by this same dying thief. You may claim the righteousness of the Pharisees, or the position and honor of Pilate, or the austere abstraction of the centurion, or make whatever claim you will for Heaven, but I will claim the same mercy the dying thief claimed. I too was a sinner, ruined and undone by sin until Jesus found me. - John R. Rice [Watching Jesus Die, pg. 82]

Note, "Unto us a child is born." "Unto us" means that Jesus is to be born to mankind. The Lord Jesus is to be as we are- with limitations- not morally, for He never sinned, but in the surroundings, in the environment, in the temptations, in the poverty, in the heartbreak that sometimes comes to people. - John R. Rice [The Best News One Ever heard: A Saviour is Born!, pg. 4-5]

The unpardonable sin is committed only by lost people, and then it is the sin of those who do not want to be saved and deliberately refuse salvation. There is no other unpardonable sin. - John R. Rice [page 424-425, Dr. Rice, Here Are More Questions...]